Julian: A recipe for the best apple pie

As holidays approach, mountain town is the place to go for apple pie — and more

There will always be a new restaurant to try or a trendy dessert to experience. (Have you tried a Cronut yet?) But there’s one treat in San Diego that never goes out of style: the Julian apple pie.

The mountain town is known around the country for having some of the best homemade apple pies around. Visitors drive from all over San Diego as well as Orange, Riverside and Los Angeles counties for a bite of pie and an afternoon of country charm.

But once you arrive, where should you go? Do you pick a more familiar spot like Mom’s or Julian Apple Pie Co.? Or try a spot that’s off the main street?

Did you know?

Even though Julian is known for its apples, the demand for pies outweighs the town’s apple production. Most of the Julian pie shops supplement their treats with apples that come from Washington and California’s Central Valley.

We visited the five different places where you can get pies in Julian and broke down everything from pie varieties to the shop’s history. One thing we didn’t judge, however, is taste. It’s up to you to decide who serves the best one.

Here’s a guide to Julian pie shops.

Vicki Newman moves a rack of traditional apple pies that are fresh out of the oven at Apple Alley Bakery in Julian in 2012.

Vicki Newman moves a rack of traditional apple pies that are fresh out of the oven at Apple Alley Bakery in Julian in 2012.

Apple Alley Bakery

Though this small shop is right on Julian’s busy main street, the unassuming spot feels as if you’ve stumbled into a locals-only secret.

Atmosphere: While most of the pie places have decorations that range from cuddly teddy bears to striped wallpaper, this shop is more mountain-inspired than cutesy. You’ll find photographs of apple trees on the walls and casual wooden tables. Plus there’s a small outdoor patio that’s pleasant until the temperature drops.

History: This shop has been around for 20 years, with owner and baker Debbie Gaudette making the pies herself.

What to order here: Gaudette says she’s the only one in town who makes a caramel apple pecan pie. She’s also the only baker to offer gluten-free pies.

A la mode? You can add vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to your pie, or even opt for the sugar-free vanilla ice cream.

What if you don’t like pie? You can also get heart-shaped tarts, cinnamon rolls, apple strudel and something called a chocolate coffee float. Apple Alley also serves soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch.

Etc.: The gluten-free pies come in apple and boysenberry apple crumb. If you want one for the holidays, order now because Gaudette usually sells out.

Prices: $13.95 to $14.95 for whole pie; $3.25 per slice; $4.25 per slice with ice cream.

Candied Apple Pastry Co.

This cozy bakery is where you’ll most likely find the locals.

Atmosphere: Imagine a French country kitchen in the mountains. As you line up to order, you’re surrounded by glass jars filled with marmalades and homemade sauces, as well as fresh bread baked on site.

History: Owner Charles Scott worked as a pastry chef in upscale hotels and restaurants all over the U.S. before opening his own bakery in Julian seven years ago.

A la mode? You can order pie with ice cream, cinnamon sauce or (on request) sharp cheddar cheese.

What if you don’t like pie? There are so many tempting treats here, you’ll almost forget about the pies. There are cakes and cookies and cinnamon rolls overflowing with cream cheese frosting.

Etc.: Scott said he wanted to open a traditional European bakery, “but we couldn’t open a bakery in Julian and not serve pie.” The lunch menu includes panini, quiche and soups. And, yes, you can actually buy candied apples here.

Julian Cafe and Bakery

Looking for some hearty food before filling your body with sugar? Stop at this always-packed diner, where you can get a full meal and a slice of homemade pie in one spot.

Atmosphere: Accept that you’re going to be crowded, and that there might not be enough space between you and the next table, and you’ll get along just fine. This place packs in lots of tables, knickknacks and old Julian photos into a tight space, but it somehow feels as if you’re eating with family.

History: The bakery was built in 1872 a as general store. It burned in 1957 and was restored in 1978. It has quite a lengthy, colorful story about pool halls and steak houses, but you can read it on the back of the restaurant menu while you wait for your pie.

What to order here: During the holidays, definitely get the apple pumpkin pie.

Pick your pie: Other pies sold here are apple and apple boysenberry available with pastry or crumb top.

A la mode? You can ask for a slab of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or shredded, melted cheddar cheese to top your pie.

What if you don’t like pie? This full-service restaurant offers everything from eggs and pancakes to meatloaf and french fries.

Etc.: Along with homemade jams, there are also unique Julian-themed gifts and silly T-shirts for sale.

Julian Pie Co.

This is one of the most popular pie spots for both locals and tourists, since its pies are shipped to stores and markets around the county.

Atmosphere: The cozy cottage feels warm and inviting, as if you’re eating fresh pie at your grandmother’s house. Along with a few indoor booths, there’s front patio and backyard seating. If it’s not too cold (or too hot), try and find a table there and maybe you’ll get to sit on the lovely swing bench.

History: The Smothers family opened the shop in 1986. You’ll find Dave Smothers working behind the counter in Julian and his brother, Tim Smothers, handling the nearby Santa Ysabel location.

Mom’s Pies

When people talk about Julian apple pie, many of them are talking about this, the town’s first pie shop.

Atmosphere: The clean and bright space is always buzzing with people waiting for a wooden booth (complete with heart cutouts on the benches) or a spot at the large communal tables decorated with wildflower-filled Mason jars.

History: Mom is actually Anita Nichols. She opened the shop in 1984 and has been making homemade pies and treats ever since.

What to order here: Surprisingly, it’s not pie! Order the apple dumpling, a whole apple that’s peeled and cored, covered with nutmeg, brown sugar and cinnamon, and baked in a cream cheese and butter crust.